Community Internships

Regulations on Student Pulpits

The Abraham Geiger College for the Training of Rabbis at the University of Potsdam is pleased to offer the rabbinical services of its students to progressive congregations and other Jewish organizations in Eastern and Central Europe. These congregations and organizations offer a rich variety of opportunities for training student rabbis. To enhance student training and increase effective service to congregations and organizations, these Regulations describe the procedures and policies for student pulpits. We welcome correspondence about these Regulations.

I. General Information

1. Student "Pulpit"

These Regulations apply to any congregation, academic centre, or other organization ("Pulpit") where religious leadership is provided by a rabbinical student ("Student Rabbi") of the Abraham Geiger College. Religious school teaching positions are exempt from these Regulations.

1. Typical Student Pulpit. There are generally two types of Pulpits:
   a) A congregation or group the size of which does not allow it to obtain the services of an ordained rabbi; and
   b) A congregation or group temporarily without the services of an ordained rabbi.
2. Eligibility of Pulpit. To be eligible for the services of a Student Rabbi, a Pulpit must be one of these:
   a) Member congregation in good standing of the appropriate Progressive Judaism organization, such as the Union of Progressive Congregations of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland;
   b) Congregation whose participation is approved by the Executive Director; or
   c) Non-congregational organization approved by the Executive Director.

2. Frequency of Student Rabbi Visits

For ease of reference and classification, Pulpits are designated:

1. "High Holyday Only" if the Pulpit is served only from the start of Rosh Hashanah through the conclusion of Yom Kippur ("High Holydays").
2. "Monthly" if the Pulpit is served for the High Holydays plus a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 10 additional visits during the academic year. Ordinarily this results in one visit per month following the High Holydays.
3. "Triweekly" if the Pulpit is served for the High Holydays plus a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 14 additional visits during the academic year. Ordinarily this results in one visit every three weeks following the High Holydays.
4. "Biweekly" if the Pulpit is served for the High Holydays plus a minimum of 16 to a maximum of 18 additional visits during the academic year. Ordinarily this results in one visit every two weeks following the High Holydays
5. Special cases as approved by the Vocational Director.

3. Eligibility of Student Rabbi

Second year students are eligible to serve a High Holy Day Only, Monthly, and Triweekly Pulpit. Third, fourth, and fifth year students are eligible to serve any Pulpit.

4. Discretion of the Vocational Director

Every effort will be made to provide a Student Rabbi to eligible Pulpits that request one. However, the Vocational Director reserves the right not to place a Student Rabbi with an otherwise eligible Pulpit due to the number of available students, academic considerations, appropriateness of training experience, and related considerations.

II. Pulpit Visits

1. Scheduling Visits
The Pulpit and the Student Rabbi shall decide a mutually agreeable calendar of visits and make adjustments to that schedule as needed. Pulpits should be sensitive to Student Rabbi's need to schedule around the academic calendar.

2. Extent of "Scheduled Visit"
A Pulpit visit may extend from the dinner hour on Friday through 1:00pm on Sunday ("Scheduled Visit"). The length of a scheduled visit is left to the discretion of the pulpit, however, scheduled visits must end no lather than 1 pm on Sunday.
Depending on availability of commercial transportation, Scheduled Visits may need to be shortened in individual cases. Besides work for the Pulpit, Student Rabbis should be provided time/place for preparation, prayer, study, and relaxation.

3. Additional Visits
If a Student Rabbi makes a separate trip to the Pulpit, other than for High Holydays or a Scheduled Visit, then the Pulpit shall pay expenses and an additional honorarium for that visit. For example, if the Pulpit has the Student Rabbi begin a visit on Thursday to cover both a Thursday evening festival and Shabbat, then the Pulpit shall pay expenses and an additional, full honorarium for Thursday.

4. Extension of Scheduled Visit
If a Scheduled Visit is extended to Sunday evening or longer, then the Pulpit shall pay expenses and an additional, full honorarium for that extended visit.

5. Exempted Visits

a) Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
All services and other Pulpit functions between the start of Rosh Hashanah and the conclusion of Yom Kippur are included as part of the High Holyday visit, whether or not the Student Rabbi remains in residence at the Pulpit throughout that period. The Student Rabbi shall remain in residence at the Pulpit's discretion. If the student remains in residence, then the Pulpit shall provide sufficient unscheduled time for preparation, study, and relaxation.

b) Passover Seder
Extension of a Scheduled Visit to Sunday evening (or beginning a Scheduled Visit on Thursday evening) to conduct a Passover Seder is not considered an additional visit for which the Pulpit is required to pay an additional honorarium. If the Seder occurs other than during a Scheduled Visit, then the Pulpit shall pay expenses and an additional, full honorarium for that visit.

c) Funerals
A visit made to officiate at a funeral, other than during a Scheduled Visit, is not considered an additional visit and the Pulpit is not required to pay an additional honorarium. The Pulpit, however, shall ensure that all expenses of the Student Rabbi are paid by the family or the Pulpit.

6. Cancelled Visits
If either the Pulpit or the Student Rabbi cancels a Scheduled Visit, every effort shall be made to reschedule the visit during the academic year.

III. Responsibilities of Student Rabbi

1. Responsibilities

• Generally
  Student Rabbis are responsible for serving the basic rabbinical needs of the Pulpit during each Scheduled Visit. These include, for example, worship services, sermons, religious school classes, Hebrew tutoring, adult education, pastoral care, addresses to Pulpit or civic organizations, and other services directly related to the role of a rabbi. Pulpits shall not ask Student Rabbis to perform any clerical or secretarial functions, to recruit members, solicit funds, or to participate in political or other functions that are neither religious nor civic in nature.
  
  
• Funerals
  If a family in the Pulpit wants the Student Rabbi to officiate at a funeral other than during a Scheduled Visit, then the Student Rabbi shall obtain advance approval from the Vocational Director. Approval will not be given if such a trip would in any way interfere with the student's academic work.

2. Scope of Services
Student Rabbis may perform all rabbinical functions, except weddings and conversions, as provided below:

• Weddings:
  A Student Rabbi may usually co-officiate at a wedding with the formal participation of an ordained rabbi.
  
  
• Conversions:
  A Student Rabbi may instruct and counsel a prospective convert under the guidance of an ordained rabbi who must officiate or co-officiate at the conversion ceremony.

As to both weddings and conversions, all religious certificates shall be signed by the ordained rabbi; the Student Rabbi may co-sign relevant religious documents.

3. Work Load
To ensure that Student Rabbis can complete their academic studies, Pulpit work shall not exceed 20 hours on average per Scheduled Visit (including preparation time).

IV. Responsibilities of Pulpits

1. Generally
Pulpit shall follow the policies and procedures described in these Regulations as amended from time to time by the College. Pulpits shall give Student Rabbis the respect and courtesy due an ordained rabbi.

2. Interaction with Leadership
Pulpit leadership regularly should discuss with the Student Rabbi all aspects of the Pulpit. The Pulpit's board should meet periodically with the Student Rabbi.

3. Needs Assessment, Goals Setting, and Evaluation
Each Pulpit and each Student Rabbi has unique needs and goals. It is critical that Pulpits and Student Rabbis periodically discuss these needs and goals, and also evaluate progress toward satisfying them. To aid that communication and give an arena for evaluation, the Vocational Director uses a three-stage Needs Assessment, Goal Setting, and Evaluation Programme. All Pulpits and Student Rabbis participate in this programme in co-operation with the psychological counsellor.

4. Fieldwork Programme
Through the Fieldwork Programme, Student Rabbis are usually assigned as mentors ordained rabbis from other communities. This programme provides practical guidance and enriching support to Student Rabbis. As part of the programme, mentors will join their Student Rabbis for one Scheduled Visit, at no expense to the Pulpit. Also, Student Rabbis will join their mentors for one weekend at their congregations, at no expense to the Pulpit.

5. Problem Solving
Should a significant problem occur between the Pulpit and Student Rabbi, each should discuss the problem directly with the other, making every effort to solve the problem directly. If the problem persists, then the Vocational Director shall be contacted for further assistance. For explanation of mediation procedures, see Section 9.1 on page 8 of these regulations.

V. Assigning Student Rabbis to Pulpits

1. Pulpits Seeking a Student Rabbi
All Pulpits seeking a Student Rabbi for the next academic year (including Pulpits presently served by a Student Rabbi) must submit a completed Application and Contract for Student Rabbi (available from the College Office) to the Executive Director by May 1 of the previous year. Once accepted by the Executive and the Vocational Director, this is a binding contract between the Pulpit and the Abraham Geiger College (on behalf of rabbinical students).

2. Student Selection of Pulpits
Student Rabbis (in an order determined by the College) select Pulpits for the next academic year based on the student's personal preferences. This selection process is supervised by the Executive and the Vocational Director and is concluded in early May. Students often use information about Pulpits supplied by prior Student Rabbis. If there are no prior Student Rabbis, then the Pulpit will be asked to provide comparable information.

3. Verification of Student Selection
Selections are verified and communicated to Pulpits and Student Rabbis by end of July. Pulpits and Student Rabbis must wait until after this verification to contact each other. Pulpits not selected during the process will be notified and the Abraham Geiger College and the appropriate Progessive congregations organization will help the Pulpit make alternate arrangements.

4. Students Returning to Pulpit
Student Rabbis serve Pulpits for one academic year. To allow for continuity of service from one year to the next for both the student's and the Pulpit's benefit, there is a limited right to renew. With the consent of the Pulpit and Student Rabbi, a student may return for a second year only. This renewal right is permitted each student only once during his or her tenure at the Abraham Geiger College. This renewal right may be suspended at any time at the discretion of the College due to the limited number of Pulpits and in order to maximize pulpit training opportunities for the greatest number of students.

5. Negotiation Prohibited
The selection process is the sole means of allocating Pulpits. No recruitment or screening procedures are allowed. Students are not permitted to contact or negotiate with Pulpits directly. Pulpits are not permitted to contact or negotiate with students. These Regulations do not apply to post-ordination positions.

6. Student Initiative
A student may bring to the attention of the Vocational Director congregations or other groups that may be interested in a Student Rabbi. If so, then student may request selection priority, which request may be honoured at the discretion of the Vocational Director.

7. Pulpit Withdrawal After Selection Process
If a Pulpit seeks to withdraw from this programme after the pulpit has been allocated to a student through the selection process, then the Pulpit shall pay for any loss of income sustained by the student as negotiated by the College.

VI. Expenses and Honoraria

1. Generally
All expenses incurred by the Student Rabbi in connection with work for the Pulpit shall be paid by the Pulpit. Expenses shall be reimbursed directly to the Student Rabbi immediately upon submission. Pulpits, at their discretion, can require Student Rabbis to furnish receipts for some or all of these expenses. All financial questions have to be approved by both sides.

2. Spouse/Family
The Pulpit has no responsibility concerning the expenses of the Student Rabbi's spouse/family if the spouse/family accompanies the Student Rabbi to the Pulpit. Pulpits may, at their discretion, cover some or all of these expenses. It is a common practice for the Pulpit to have the spouse/family accompany Student Rabbi once during the year at the Pulpit's expense.

3. Types of Reimbursed Expenses
The following are some examples of expenses that may be submitted to the Pulpit for reimbursement (this list is not exclusive): Mileage or taxi to/from the airport or train station; driving mileage or airfare to/from the Pulpit; parking; phone calls for Pulpit business; postage for pulpit business (does not include "thank you" notes); hotel/motel expenses (including lodging and taxes, but excluding movies); meals at the Pulpit location as well as while travelling to/from the Pulpit; supplies for projects; photocopying expenses; High Holyday robe rental. The "rule of thumb" is that all expenses incurred from door to door in service of the Pulpit are eligible for reimbursement.

4. Types of Un-reimbursed Expenses
The following are some examples of expenses that should not be submitted to the Pulpit for reimbursement (this list is not exclusive): Dry cleaning; stationery and postage for "thank you" notes; personal gifts to congregants; movies and other entertainment during free time on visit; long distance phone calls to spouse/family during visit (unless necessary to communicate change in travel or arrival plans).

5. Honoraria
Honoraria are set by the Abraham Geiger College and are not negotiable. As the Pulpit's primary contract is with the College, and Student Rabbis are not salaried employees of Pulpits, any honoraria are processed through the College. The Application and Contract for Student Rabbi (available from the Vocational Director) specifies the current Honoraria . The College may waive honoraria in cases when students enjoy the benefit of a scholarship that is given with the understanding that congregational services are delivered in exchange for the scholarship.

VII. Transportation

1. To and From Visit.
The Student Rabbi shall always use the most reasonable transportation to/from the Pulpit. Transportation sometimes may need to be made by a combination of commercial transport, own car or rented car. Pulpit shall reimburse student for all related costs.

2. During Visit
Pulpit shall provide transportation at the Student Rabbi's disposal during each visit for all functions requiring the student's presence and for reasonable recreational needs. This also applies to visits to officiate at a funeral that occurs outside a Scheduled Visit.

• Using Student's Vehicle. If the Student Rabbi is driving the student's own vehicle to/from a visit, then the student will use this vehicle during the visit. Pulpit shall reimburse student as described below.
  
• Alternate Transportation Provided by Pulpit. If the Student Rabbi is not driving the student's own vehicle then the Pulpit shall provide reimbursement for transportation by public transport.
  
• Special cases as approved by the Vocational Director.

3. Volunteer Drivers, Taxis, Hired Transport, Loaner Cars
approves, then the Pulpit may provide for volunteer driver(s), hired transport, taxis, or loaner cars that will be available to transport the Student Rabbi at times requested by the student for all functions requiring the student's presence and for reasonable recreational needs. For loaner cars, Student Rabbis are encouraged to evaluate the risks involved in driving a vehicle owned and maintained by someone other than the student.

4. Student Rabbi's Vehicle
If the Student Rabbi's vehicle is used, the Pulpit shall reimburse the student at the current fiscal rate for distance from door to door, to offset the costs of fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation on the student's vehicle.

5. Rented Vehicle
If a rented vehicle is used, then Pulpit shall reimburse the student for all costs of the rental, fuel, and emergency maintenance. The rental shall be from a reputable company approved by the student. The rental shall include full insurance coverage for liability, damage, and loss. The rental can only be made on approval of both sides.

VIII. Hospitality

Pulpit shall provide the Student Rabbi room and board for each visit at a level comparable to moderate business travel. This also applies to visits to officiate at a funeral that occurs outside a Scheduled Visit. At the Pulpit's discretion this may be done by hospitality in congregants' homes, provided that the student is furnished a private room with suitable amenities and the space/time for preparation, prayer, study, and relaxation during the visit. It is strongly recommended that all home hospitality be provided in the homes of married couples. While it is customary for the Student Rabbi to send "thank you" notes to hosts, as with other business travel, a "house gift" should not be expected from the Student Rabbi (as otherwise might be expected from a social house guest). At the Pulpit's discretion, hospitality may be provided by a hotel/motel.

IX. Conflict Resolution

1. Mediation
Occasionally, Pulpits and Student Rabbis differ on matters of consequence. All are reminded that the field-work experience is a vital part of each student's academic and professional training and it is difficult to characterize the dynamics of these relationships in black and white terms. If a Pulpit and student are unable directly to solve a problem of significance, then the Pulpit leadership and the student should contact the Vocational Director before a crisis develops, so that the College can mediate the conflict. The mediation shall consider the Pulpit's and the Student Rabbi's separate written (1) Description of the conflict, (2) Description of proposed solution to the conflict; (3) Analysis of the other's perception of the conflict, and (4) Response to the other's proposed solution.

2. Reassignment
If the mediation fails to resolve the conflict, then the Vocational Director reluctantly may conclude that a change in assignment is necessary. A Student Rabbi cannot resign from a Pulpit; a Pulpit cannot remove a Student Rabbi. Authority for this rests solely with the College. In case of reassignment of the Student Rabbi, at the discretion of the College, the Pulpit shall pay for any loss of income sustained by the student. The Student Rabbi shall accept assignment to another Pulpit, if available, in mitigation of any loss.

X. Ordinate Rabbis and Graduate Students

In rare cases, an ordained rabbi known to the Abraham Geiger College or a Jewish (non-rabbinical) graduate student may be available to serve a Pulpit in accordance with these Regulations. Then, only relevant procedures and policies described in these Regulations shall apply. For example, an ordained rabbi can officiate alone at a wedding. The Pulpit shall pay honoraria directly to an ordained rabbi (rather than through the College).

XI. Amendment and Interpretation

These Regulations may be amended at any time by the Executive Director on behalf of the President. These Regulations together with amendments and interpretations made by the College are binding on Pulpits and Student Rabbis.